Supportive Housing Initiative
02/28/2005
A meeting was held recently to discuss a
Supportive Housing Initiative in Yancey County. Wayne Paul, the County’s
Veterans Service Officer is a spokesman for the project, he said the group, made
up of non-profit organizations that deal with housing, drug abuse and domestic
violence, met with representatives of the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency
which has established a supportive housing development program to provide
housing for persons who are homeless or have disabilities. Funding for the
program comes mostly from the North Carolina Housing Trust Fund, established by
the State Legislature in 1987. Since 1994, the program has funding almost $19
million to help finance over 13 hundred units of supportive housing across the
state.
Easley Signs Flood Bill
02/26/2005
Governor Mike Easley put his signature on a $247
million dollar package Friday afternoon that will help western North Carolina
recover from the September storms. Governor Easley had argued the bill was too
expensive, but it passed the General Assembly on three unanimous votes, and
local Representative Ray Rapp says that helped convince the governor it was the
right thing to do. The bill establishes local offices in each county where
homeowners who qualify can apply for state aid. Business owners can also receive
money, but that process hasn't been decided yet. It could still be several
months before the relief funds start arriving in the area.
Dog Not Rabid
02/25/2005
A Mitchell County boy, bitten
by a dog last week, is recovering. According to the Mitchell County Health
Department, following a bite, the animal would normally be confined for 10 days,
but because the dog had been shot & killed following the incident, the health
Department, by law, was required to send the specimen to the state lab in
Raleigh. Penny Bailey, Health Educator, with the Mitchell County Health
Department, said the results of the tests were negative and the dog was not
rabid. She urged all citizens to have their pets vaccinated and keep from
putting food outside which may attract wild animals which are more likely to
carry the rabies virus. She also advised not letting your animal run in the
wild. For more information on rabies, call 688-2371.
Frye Named a Co-Chair
02/25/2005
State Representative Phillip
Frye, Republican from the 84th House District, has been named as a co-chair of
the Federal Relations and Trade Issues Committee, which is responsible for
reviewing legislation that directly impacts trade. As a chair of the committee,
Representative Frye will review any proposed legislation that will affect
international commerce within the state of North Carolina. Frye said “With the
job lose we experienced in textiles and furniture manufactures in my district, I
plan to use this appointment to bring further attention to the federal trade
policies that have had a negative impact on our state. I also look forward to
working closely with our federal legislative delegation in the Congress and
Senate,” The committee overseas trade issues and acts as a liaison with our
federal delegation in regards to issue of commerce.
Falls Short of Promises
02/25/2005
Governor Mike Easley’s $16.9
Billion State Budget proposal falls short of promises he made in his
“State-of-the-State” address to the General Assembly, according to Republican
State Senator Keith Presnell, from the 47th District. He said “It’s time to look
at Raleigh’s structural deficit and justify spending before creating new
programs and before raising taxes.” He also took exception with Easley’s funds
for education saying North Carolina’s Community Colleges are shortchanged in
meeting needs for new student enrollment.
Arson Arrests in Madison
02/25/2005
Two men accused of arson and a
third person has been charge with arson in Madison County. Sheriff's
investigators say they've solved the case of barn burnings in the Laurel
Community. Detectives believe at least six barns or unoccupied homes were
torched. No one was injured in any of the fires. 21-year-old Robert Franklin and
25-year-old Jason Hurst were arrested. 24-year-old Jonathan Ramsey is charged
with setting the blazes. Robert Franklin was a volunteer firefighter. He was
suspended last year on other arson-related charges.
Parkway Progress
02/24/2005
A bit of good news, bad news
about slides on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The section between Mt. Mitchell & NC-80
should begin in the next week or two. A Parkway spokesman said the target date
for completion is to have that section open to one-lane traffic by Memorial Day.
He said this will provide some relief for the Little Switzerland community and
Mitchell County. The slide just south of Linville Falls may not be completed
until mid to late summer.
Flood Relief Money a Step Closer To WNC
02/24/2005
It's looking more and more like
flood relief money is coming to Western North Carolina. The Senate concurred
with changes made by the House in the $247 Million hurricane relief package. Now
it rests in the hands of Governor Easley. He can sign the bill, veto it, or do
nothing. If he chooses to do nothing, it will automatically pass after ten days.
Legislators are calling it a victory because even if Easley does veto it, the
House and Senate can override that veto with a vote from three-fifths of both
houses.
Car Flips Over In Creek
02/24/2005
An elderly woman was killed
Wednesday morning when her car rolled into a creek in Madison County. The
accident happened along Upper Shut in Road near Hot Springs. The Highway Patrol
says 78-year-old Viola Holt apparently lost control of her car; she was on her
way to work. The vehicle went down an embankment, hit a tree and then landed
upside down in the creek. Troopers say the car was there for several hours
before being located. A passerby spotted it around noon.
Fire Sub Station in Little Switzerland
02/23/2005
An effort to put a fire
department “sub station,” in Little Switzerland is moving forward. Bill Carson,
a spokesman for the group, told Mitchell Commissioners Monday the presence of
fire equipment will shorten the road time to get to a fire, but emergency
equipment is just as important. He said as citizens get older, the need for
immediate attention, when sickness or accident occurs, is critical and they’re
excited at shortening the time for help to arrive. Carson said residents are
aware the fire tax would increase from 3.5 cents to 7 cents, but that will be
more than made up with a reduction in their insurance rates. This group also
said, at the present time, they feel a convenience center in Little Switzerland
isn’t necessary and the county should use those funds for other projects.
Educating Kids about Rabies and Their
Pets
02/23/2004
As we reported earlier this
week, Yancey County has appointed Henry Miller to the position of “animal
Control Officer.” As Commission Chairman Danny Hensley explains Miller will do
more than pick-up animals, he will go into schools to educate kids on the
importance of keeping their pet's rabies vaccines up to date!! He said the
county has a rabies situation and the time to address it is now!!
Animal Control Officer
02/22/2005
Responding to several Rabies
cases in the County, Yancey Commissioners have named former Burnsville Police
Chief, Henry Miller as Yancey County’s “Animal Control” officer. He said rabies
cannot be cured, but it can be prevented by having your animal’s current for the
rabies vaccine. It’s the Law!! Miller said if you come in contact with a
suspected animal, do not touch it, and call animal control at 284-4234 or call
911.
Rural Center Grants
02/22/2005
The Rural Center has announced
its “Clean Water Bond Funds Grants:” The Town of Burnsville has received $45
thousand for its “Town Center” project. Madison County receives $122,500 for the
“Agri-Tourism” project at Spring Creek and $90 thousand for their Agriculture
Center. Yancey County will receive $15 thousand for their Construction Trades
Job Training Collaborative. Mountain Heritage High School and Mayland Community
College students will be trained in construction trades such as carpentry,
masonry, electrical installation and plumbing. Students will use these skills to
help construct 2 modular homes per year with Mitchell-Yancey Habitat for
Humanity, which will oversee the project and materials management. Students will
be equipped with marketable skills while helping provide housing for those who
otherwise may not be able to afford it.
Special Session in Mitchell
02/21/2005
Mitchell Commissioners will
meet in “special session” tonight at 6:00 pm, in the County Administration
building, in Bakersville. Among the topics on the agenda, the board will conduct
a first reading and public hearing on the proposed Charter Communications
Franchise contract & the Board will consider adoption of the Franchise
Ordinance. A discussing on a proposed substation at Little Switzerland will also
be on the agenda. That’s tonight at 6:00 pm, in the county administration
building, in Bakersville. And, the commissioners will meet in special session
Wednesday at 3:00 pm, to meet with Congressman Patrick McHenry.
Superintendent Search
02/21/2005
The Yancey County Board of
Education has begun the search for a superintendent of schools for Yancey
County. The deadline for applications is March 18, 2005. The Board hopes to name
a new superintendent by June 1. The vacancy announcement and qualifications are
available at www.yanceync.net.
$1,567.50 for Tsunami Relief
02/21/2005
Students at Cane River Middle School
recently completed a fund drive to raise money for victims of the tsunami. The
month-long effort named “Have a Heart,” concluded on Valentine’s Day. Students
purchased paper hearts for $1 each and displayed them over their homeroom door.
The students raised a total of $1,567.50, which has been donated to the American
Red Cross and designated for tsunami relief efforts. The homeroom class selling
the most paper hearts and with 100% participation will be treated to an ice
cream party and a free period.
First Place and winners of the ice cream
party and free period
·
Miranda Wheeler’s sixth grade
homeroom raised $337.00
·
Top salespersons – Sarah Edwards & Lance
Simmons
Second Place
·
Holly Houchard’s eighth grade homeroom
raised $290.00
·
Top salespersons – Anna Richards & Daniel
Bundy
Third Place
·
Linda Deyton’s eighth grade homeroom raised
$280.00
·
Top salesperson – Jessie Whitson
Ordinary kids doing extraordinary things at
Cane River Middle School.
Acting Manager
02/18/2005
In January, Mitchell County
Manager Ryan Whitson was called to military active duty; he may be gone for
as-long-as 2 years. In an effort to make sure day-to-day operations in the
county are watched over, Commissioners have hired Phillip Castro as Acting
Manager. Castro says he’s concerned about the loss of heavy industry in the
county and surrounding areas. He said it’s very important that the county find
good paying jobs for our citizens.
Flood Relief Passes Senate
02/17/2005
The state Senate has passed a
$214 million relief bill to help hurricane victims in Western North Carolina.
The vote was 48-to-nothing. The money would help homeowners and businesses
recover from a series of tropical storms last fall. The bill is about $100
million less than the relief amount that mountain lawmakers originally asked
for. It was scaled back after legislators reviewed aid being offered by federal
and state relief programs. The bill does include some relief funds for counties
in Eastern and Central North Carolina that were hit by other storms last fall.
The House could take up the bill as early as today.
What Do You Think?
02/17/2005
Work on Burnsville’s New Town
Center is continuing, Mayor David Grindstaff says he hopes more citizens will
come forward with suggestions about possible uses of the Center: He said there
is a lot of support for local art that is genuine to this area to be displayed
at the center. He says the town wants its citizens to be excited about the
center and its possible uses. The Center is set to open this summer!!
Tax Collection
Rates
02/16/2005
Spruce Pine’s tax collections are ahead of last year. So far this year, the
collection rate is at 93.84%, compared to 88% at this same time last year,
that’s about $35 thousand more in revenue to the town. Finance Officer Danny
Young says the total dollars collected so far this year is $610,405.00.
A point of
Order in Mitchell
02/15/2005
Mitchell Commissioners met in
special session on Friday, February 11th, to discuss the salary for acting
County Manager Phillip Castro. He was named to that position Monday, February
7th, during the monthly Commissioners meeting. The action as taken after manager
Ryan Whitson was called to active military duty in January. He may be gone for
as-long-as 2 years. During the special session Commissioner Phil Byrd called a
point of order on the motion taken during the regular meeting to hire an acting
manager; he said this was illegal because it wasn’t on the agenda. County
Attorney Lloyd Hise answered the legal question. He said, in a regular meeting,
the board can bring up any matter for business or discussion or action whether
or not it’s on the agenda. He said action cannot be taken on matters not on the
agenda at a “special meeting.” Following County Attorney Hise’s opinion, a vote
by the board on the point of order was taken, either to agree the motion was in
order, as presented by Chairman Masters or not. The vote was unanimous—the
motion to hire an Acting Manager was in order!! Commissioner Byrd said after
talking with Mr. Castro, he believes he will do a good job for the County and
looks forward to working with him during Whitson’s absence. Byrd said he looks
forward to Whitson’s safe return. Castro’s salary will be $20 per hour up to 39
hours per week.
Yancey BOE
Meeting
02/14/2005
At their February 7 meeting,
the Yancey County Board of Education recognized Alan Lusk, Principal at
Micaville Elementary School, as the Principal of the Year for Yancey County
Schools. At a luncheon in Asheville on February 8, Lusk was also recognized as
one of 15 nominees for the 2004 Wachovia Principal of the Year for the West
Region. Under the North Carolina ABCs of Public Education, end-of-grade test
scores measure a school’s academic growth and achievement. During the past four
years, Micaville Elementary has been recognized as a School of
Distinction (two years), a School of Excellence, and an Honor
School of Excellence based on student test scores. Micaville has also been
recognized as one of North Carolina’s 25 Most Improved K-8 Schools. Lusk has
been an educator for 32 years. Superintendent Vernon Chapman informed the
Board that representatives from the Exceptional Children Division of the NC
Department of Public Instruction visited Bald Creek Elementary School in
December to assess the progress of the implementation of a whole school Positive
Behavioral Support Program. Bald Creek received a total implementation rating
of 96% and reviewers described the program as “excellent” and “exemplary.” The
PBS Program provides strategies for achieving improved social and learning
outcomes for students while preventing problem behaviors.
Fugitive on the Run
02/10/2005
Mountain authorities are on the
look-out for a dangerous suspect who escaped their custody. 19-year-old Clinton
Wilson was allegedly involved in a shooting Tuesday. He was under arrest
Wednesday afternoon. Officers were transporting him from the Marion Police
Department to the McDowell County Jail when he bolted. Authorities say Wilson
didn't have a weapon when he got away and that he was handcuffed. They believe
he got into a red Mitsubishi SUV that headed out of town. Authorities say no one
was wounded in the shooting incident. Wilson faces three assault with a deadly
weapon with intent to kill charges. If you have any information, contact Marion
Police.
Mitchell Gets Washington D.C.’s Attention
02/10/2005
Mitchell commissioners got the ear of Washington D.C. during their February
meeting. Staff members of Senators Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr and
Congressman Patrick McHenry were in the audience when Commissioners ask for help
with roads and a new jail. Graham Fields, staff member for U.S. Senator
Elizabeth Dole said they are going to look for resources for these projects and
he said Dole, Burr and McHenry will work together to make sure Mitchell County
is economically sound for the future.
Bush on Tour
02/09/2005
President Bush will be in
Raleigh tomorrow morning at 11:00 am, for a “Town Hall” meeting, to discuss his
SS Reform. Mitchell County’s Citizens for Sound Economy (CSE) will be in
attendance. The Mitchell Chapter of CSE was named outstanding chapter in the
state in 2002. In 2003 the Mitchell Chapter received the DA Morris Award for
most outstanding CSE chapter in the nation.
Temporary Manager Hired
02/09/2005
Mitchell Commissioners have
decided to hire a “temporary” manager to handle the day-to-day operations of the
county in the absence of Ryan Whitson, who has been call to active duty in the
military and could possibly be gone for 2 years. Following a recommendation
Monday night, by Chairman Keith Masters, Phillip Castro has been hired; the vote
to hire was 3-2 with yes votes from members Jim Saylor, Mike Hensley and Keith
Masters. Saylor and Hensley said they had never met Mr. Castro, but would vote
for him on Masters recommendation. Commissioners Ken Hollifield and Phil Byrd
voted no, saying they were not questioning Masters judgment, but because of the
importance of the job, they wanted to meet Castro before making a decision. The
Commissioners have scheduled a special meeting with Castro to discuss terms of
his employment and any other business the board deems necessary. The meeting
will be Friday evening at 5:00 pm, in the commissioners meeting room, in
Bakersville.
Asking for Help
02/08/2005
Mitchell Commissioners met
Monday night with economic development & jobs on their minds. Representatives
from Senators Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr office were on hand as-well-as a
representative from Congressman Patrick McHenry. Commissions told them Mitchell
County needs their help: Keith Masters, Commission Chairman, said we need to
start planning for a road system (19E & 226) that crosses the county. He said he
looks forward to the completion of Highway 19E from I-26 at Mars Hill through
Mitchell County into Boone. He also looks forward to the study and possible
improvements of Highway 226 from I-40 in McDowell to the north end of Mitchell
County into Tennessee. He said this would open Mitchell County to many economic
opportunities (including tourism). He also said the county will be looking to
Washington for help with funding a new jail facility.
Junk Car Ordinance
02/04/2005
Burnsville’s new ordinance
dealing with “junk cars,” is being enforced. Mayor David Grindstaff says notices
have been sent to those found to be in violation. Grindstaff says violators have
15 days to start complying with the ordinance. After 15 days, if an adequate
attempt has not been made to clean up, the Town can step in a contract the
removal and clean up. The cost of the clean up will be attached to the
property’s deed, this becomes a lean on the property. If you have any questions,
call Public Works Director Tom Storie at Town Hall (682-2420) or call Mayor
Grindstaff on his mobile phone (284-0399).
Barlowe Trial Deliberations
02/04/2005
Jurors will resume
deliberations this morning in the retrial of a McDowell woman already convicted
once of murdering her mother. The state court of appeals ordered a retrial due
to mistake in the first one. The jury, in the Eva Barlowe case, asked the judge
two questions concerning the evidence in the case. One was about procedural
issues, the other concerning some evidence. The 21 year old Barlowe is accused
of first-degree murder for allegedly helping her boyfriend kill her mother Cindy
Barlowe in September, 2002. Her boyfriend, Jeremy Dunlap, is already serving a
life sentence for the murder. The trial is being held in Henderson County on a
change of venue.
Fire Calls Are Up in Spruce Pine
02/03/2005
Spruce Pine Fire Chief David Hughes reported
to Town Council, at their January 24th meeting, that volunteer units now answer
an average of 2 calls per day. His department answered 640 calls last year,
that’s up about 150 from a year ago and some 250 from two years ago. He said a
lot of last years calls can be attributed to the storms Frances and Ivan. He
thanked the all volunteer department, which now numbers 50, who take time from
their work and family to risk their lives to help someone.
Barlowe Trial
02/02/2005
At the Eva Barlowe murder case
retrial Tuesday, the McDowell woman admitted to numerous lies she told about
what happened in September of 2000, when her boyfriend killed her mother Cindy
Barlowe. Jeremy Dunlap admitted killing her and he is serving a life sentence
for the murder. The state court of appeals ordered a retrial due to mistake in
the first one. The state is trying to prove once again, Eva Barlowe deserves the
same sentence because she plotted the murder, helped clean up the bloody mess in
her mother's garage, and then lied to cover up her part in the crime. The case
is being heard in Henderson County after a change of venue was granted.
P.O. Box 744
